I was wondering if CAN bus might be a better choice, it is easily?supported by Arduino, I bit off subject but I have a Harris antenna tuner in a NEMA 5 cabinet that will need a controller, it is a rotary LC type and I have been contemplating rs485, CANBUS or ESP NOW wireless protocol to talk to it.? There is also a very interesting open SCADA package called ScadaBR.? ? it is JAVA based and runs as a service using Tuxedo.? It coupled with openPLC ? opens up a lot of cool shack automation possibilities ... tom, N3LLL
Hello Harald,
??? glad its working.
??? There are some TTL<->485 interface boards with automatic data direction control.
??? But you're right, if one wants to use a simple EIA-485 receiver/driver like a SN75176, a pin of the microcontroller will have to be dedicated to DE+RE. It's easy to do though.
??? I plan to change the firmware to support Modbus. Then it will only send data when asked to. Direct control (read/set) of the relays would also be implemented.
??? I tried to find how hams use Modbus to automate stuff on their shack but haven't found any relevant information. If someone can help me with that, it would help me understand better this use case.
??? 73
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The simplest "bit-banging" code for UART output is shown below, this is using the mikroC compiler.? It uses the Auto button interface on PORTB B1 but other ports can be used, eg A6 or A7. #define UART_DEL 98//uS
#define MYONE 1
#define MYZERO 0
sbit UART_OUT_PIN at LATB1_bit; //define B1 as the output TRISB1_bit = 0; //set direction to output
void uart_wr_str(char str[]){
? ? int buf;
? ? int i,j,len,GIE_sav;
?
? ? len=strlen(str);
? ? if (len==0) return;
?
? ? GIE_sav=GIE_bit;? ?//save interrupt state (not needed if interrupts are always off)
? ? GIE_bit=0;? ? ? ? ?//disable interrupts temporarily to avoid timing issues
? ? Delay_us(1000);
? ? for (i=0;i<len;i++){
? ? ? ? buf=str[i];
? ? ? ? UART_OUT_PIN = MYZERO; // Start bit
? ? ? ? Delay_us(UART_DEL-10);
? ? ? ? for (j=0;j<8;j++){
? ? ? ? ? if (buf & 0x01) {
? ? ? ? ? ? ? UART_OUT_PIN = MYONE;
? ? ? ? ? } else {
? ? ? ? ? ? ? UART_OUT_PIN = MYZERO;
? ? ? ? ? }
? ? ? ? ? Delay_us(UART_DEL);
? ? ? ? ? buf >>= 1;
? ? ? ? }
? ? ? ? UART_OUT_PIN = MYONE; // Stop bit
? ? ? ? Delay_us(500);
? ? }
? ? GIE_bit=GIE_sav; //restore interrupt state
}
The following needs to be executed as part of the init sequence to put the port into the ONE state to start with.
UART_OUT_PIN = 1;?
Then simply call the routine to send a string to the port.
uart_wr_str("UART test output");
or use IntToStr to handle int's.
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No idea if anyone is using modbus in the shack. I'm using it at my place but for different things, e.g. the heating system and the victron PV inverter used modbus TCP, the soil humidity sensor uses modbus rtu, and a small temp/hum sensor also uses RTU. So I'd be fine with modbus. Modbus RTU is also easy to hook up to ethernet, there are cheap RTU/TCP converters available. I can help with any testing if you want.
73
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Re: Assembled AT1000 from Ali
Hello Simon,
I have the same idea for my antenna.?
Looking at the picture of AT1000 (on the link you've sent), the coils seem bigger to handle higher power then AT100.
But there's an important component, in my opinion, much more important, considering 1kW poser: the capacitors!
There's no picture or description of the capacitors on Aliexpress There's no description or details about them. Even the kit DIY version does not mention them:?
the
I had to change all the capacitors on a kit that I bought (2 years ago? AT150). It uses one single ceramic capacitor (3 kV the blue ones) for? value 1 to value 7. Depending on the band, they heat a lot,? and change the capacitance value dramatically, when operating with just 100W.
No Chinese kit, or assembled units, use low ESR(high Q) and(or) stable capacitors, such as silver mica high voltage (above 3 kV).
So, be very careful, if you by a unit claiming that can handle 1 kW. I do not believe that statement.
Best Regards,
Paulo Bastos?? PY1JDX
Em seg., 18 de mar. de 2024 06:14, rfsam < 1rfsam@...> escreveu:
Hello,
My first post in this group :)
Just wanted to check if anyone here purchased this assembled version of atu1000?
This store seems to have good ratings and I don't see many of at1000 in assembled form on Aliexpress. Mostly are just the kits.
Thinking of using and experimenting with it in the shack and remotely outside (by the mast with an additional IP67 enclosure).
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Simon
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Re: Tuner cannot match any antenna and Effiency stays at 33 percent
#atu-100
Daniel, first of all you have to check if the power level and SWR are showing correct with 10% tolerance.
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Hello German,
??? the buttons are disabled but you can just send a 'a' (for auto) or 'b' (for bypass) character from your Arduino.
??? To change the pins you just need to edit these lines on the "cross_compiler.h" file:
#define UART_IN_PIN? PORTBbits.RB2 //PP5OO
#define UART_IN_TRIS TRISBbits.TRISB2 //PP5OO
#define UART_OUT_PIN? LATBbits.LATB1 //PP5OO
#define UART_OUT_TRIS TRISBbits.TRISB1 //PP5OO
???
??? to:
#define UART_IN_PIN? PORTAbits.RA6 //PP5OO
#define UART_IN_TRIS TRISAbits.TRISA6 //PP5OO
#define UART_OUT_PIN? LATAbits.LATA7 //PP5OO
#define UART_OUT_TRIS TRISAbits.TRISA7 //PP5OO
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Assembled AT1000 from Ali
Hello,
My first post in this group :)
Just wanted to check if anyone here purchased this assembled version of atu1000?
This store seems to have good ratings and I don't see many of at1000 in assembled form on Aliexpress. Mostly are just the kits.
Thinking of using and experimenting with it in the shack and remotely outside (by the mast with an additional IP67 enclosure).
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Simon
|
Re: Tuner cannot match any antenna and Effiency stays at 33 percent
#atu-100
Tried to switch ANT and TRX but then I got like 0.2W measured and the ATU wont TUNE. I have still the issue and nobody has and idea whats wrong, even my other ham radio friends took it home to check for any faults.
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Re: Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
Hi Jason
What about the SWR indication precision? You can compare it with your working tuner.
Activate the Fast Test and check all the relays.
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Hi Edson.
I am using your code to connect to arduino uno. Communication is ok, but I have two doubts:
The ports used RB1 (tx) and RB2 (rx) correspond to the BYPASS and AUTO buttons. Are these functions canceled or how do they act?
How can I change the TX and RX pins to the RA7 and RA6 ports that I don't use.
73.
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Hi Paul,
If you look at the schematic and existing firmware, you will see that there are two output pins on the PIC which may be suitable.
RA7 = ¡°Tx_req¡±? ?= p_Tx in the firmware.? ?Driven to logic ¡®1¡¯ during tuning.
RA6 = ¡°/Tx_req¡±? = n_Tx in the firmware.? ?Driven to logic ¡®0¡¯ during tuning.
I am not sure if the FT-707 has an external ALC connector, but in any case, you will need to add a suitable drive circuit, since the ALC inputs normally require a negative control voltage.
73, Dave
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Re: Hardware / software wish list
Whats a decent rating?
Get BlueMail for Android
Good idea on themica capacitor replacement. What power were you tuning and operating at? I tune with max 20 watts and operate at 50 watts. I derate all of my tunersby 50%.
?
Mike N2MS
On 03/15/2024 12:51 AM EDT paul larner <quadzillatech@...> wrote:
?
?
i think changing the caps for decent rated silver mica as on 3 of my atu-100 various caps let magic smoke out.
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Re: Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
To check the SWR section, if you have
a multi meter.
use a dummy load on the output side
preferably, or an antenna.
Monitor the test points on the SWR
bridge, to measure the forward and reverse voltages with the neg
lead on PCB ground.. You should be able to identify the points
on the schematic. Note the voltages.
Reverse the dummy load/antenna and
transmitter inputs from the normal, the voltages now on the
forward and reverse should the same, or very close to same as
the previous test.
For the known case, using a dummy
load, reverse voltage? should be very low.
vk3pe
|
Re: Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
I can give you some generic "shoot from the hip" tips for generic atu troubleshooting. As I understand most common atu failures in operation is the diodes, then relays, then caps.? From my experience in manufacturing the most common " fail power
up" on new boards are relays and switches, normally from flux traveling up leads and insulating contacts.?
Get
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello everyone,
I recently purchased and built two kits. Both went together without any issues. One of them works great while the other will not tune. I can hear it trying to find a match and then it appears to timeout and displays an swr of 9.99 but reads the wattage just
fine. The kits came with the input torroid wound, just needed to solder it to the board and run the wire through the centers. I've gone through and ohm'd the path to the IC for the fwd and rev circuit. Checked the continuity of the traces in and out of the
tuner(after removing the input torroid). Verified that all of the relays are getting a close signal and verified the contacts are closing. I've swapped out the diodes with a matched pair of 1n34s, which were the only ones I had on hand. I ordered 1n5711. I
even rewound the input coil and removed all the relays to double check the continuity. I've tried a few versions of the PIC16F1938 firmware. I will give the 1n5711 a go later tonight.
I was hoping someone could offer some advice. My testing was initially through an antenna, Chamelon emcomm but switched to a dummy load.
Thank you for any advice in advance
|
Re: Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
Continued-
The best way I have found to troubleshoot an atu is to make an adapter cable from output connector to lcr meter. Just pull the processor and ground or pull up each of the control lines and verify the proper capacitance or inductance is switched
in.?
Get
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Ben Cherry <satman39@...>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 2:49:48 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [ATU100] Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
?
I can give you some generic "shoot from the hip" tips for generic atu troubleshooting. As I understand most common atu failures in operation is the diodes, then relays, then caps.? From my experience in manufacturing the most common " fail power
up" on new boards are relays and switches, normally from flux traveling up leads and insulating contacts.?
Get
Hello everyone,
I recently purchased and built two kits. Both went together without any issues. One of them works great while the other will not tune. I can hear it trying to find a match and then it appears to timeout and displays an swr of 9.99 but reads the wattage just
fine. The kits came with the input torroid wound, just needed to solder it to the board and run the wire through the centers. I've gone through and ohm'd the path to the IC for the fwd and rev circuit. Checked the continuity of the traces in and out of the
tuner(after removing the input torroid). Verified that all of the relays are getting a close signal and verified the contacts are closing. I've swapped out the diodes with a matched pair of 1n34s, which were the only ones I had on hand. I ordered 1n5711. I
even rewound the input coil and removed all the relays to double check the continuity. I've tried a few versions of the PIC16F1938 firmware. I will give the 1n5711 a go later tonight.
I was hoping someone could offer some advice. My testing was initially through an antenna, Chamelon emcomm but switched to a dummy load.
Thank you for any advice in advance
|
Hi Paul,
There is a 2.4" 128x64 on eBay. ?But I doubt the logical layout is the same as the one that's coded.
So you will need to change the C code and rebuild it.
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Has this fallen on deaf ears??.
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Re: Built two ATU-100 EXT kits. One works flawlessly the other will not tune and swr reads 9.99
Hi Jason,
I would start by checking the Fwd and Rev voltages with a multi meter (at the output of D1/D2).
As you have a good and bad, compare the two.
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Re: Hardware / software wish list
I have a SGC-211 tuner which tunes up to 60MHz. It used -6 yellow toroids but is limited to 65 watts PEP, 20 watts continuous. It looks like they use parallel SMD capacitors. I do lots of portable operation and the internal AA batteries is convenient.
I use a MFJ-939 at home. I had some technical questions about MFJ tuners and they connected me with the designer. He was helpful but kept some of his design secrets to himself.
73 Mike N2MS
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 03/15/2024 12:02 PM EDT RogerW/GW6HRU <nospam23@...> wrote:
Hi Mike,
On Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 03:38 PM, N2MS wrote:
I also have a LDG-Z11 Pro. I will have to see what mix is used in that tuner. I've looked in quite a few tuners, and nearly all use the -2 (Red/Clear) rather than the -6 (Yellow/Clear), but they use much bigger toroids. The LDG IT-100 derates to 100W (from 125W) on 50MHz, and MFJ 939I claims 200W, but isn't rated for 50MHz. These both use 130-2 (so 1.3") not the 86-2 (0.86") that the cheap ATU-100 kits use.
I've seen -6 used for internal ATUs, mainly for the smaller inductor values. I suspect there is some issue with fewer turns, I started working through the maths, and it gets very complicated, very quickly, so I moved on to other things!
I also found -6 toroids used for the low pass filters for the higher bands.
Remote tuners (Looked at AH-4/SG-23x/mAT-40/CG-3000) tend to favour air cored inductors, I suspect it's weight rather than anything else.
Roger.
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German
RogerW/GW6HRU